April 16--Exceptional work by an Otesaga Hotel employee will be recognized by a state organization later this month.

Amelia Fredenburg, 22, of Canajoharie, a room attendant at the Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown who has has since been promoted, is the recipient of the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association's 2013 Outstanding Roomkeeper of the Year award for operations of 150 rooms or less, officials said.

Fredenburg said Monday, "It was kind of exciting." She started at the hotel about a year ago, and has since been promoted to housekeeping office coordinator. She is not sure what the award entails but she is looking forward to finding out.

"I go above and beyond to help other people to make the guests feel welcomed," she said. "I love it here. It's a great place to work." 

She graduated from State University College at Oneonta in December 2011 with a bachelor of science degree in human ecology, and is currently taking online classes to get a degree in travel and tourism.

She will be receive her award April 22 at the Association's 2013 Stars of the Industry Gala & Awards Banquet at the Crowne Plaza White Plains. The awards program honors employees of the hotels, motels and tourism-related businesses throughout the state who best represent the service and spirit of the hospitality and tourism industry.

Glenn Schilling, Otesaga director of rooms, said said he was not surprised about his employee's success.

She came as an entry level room attendant and "quickly showed us we were wasting her talents in that position, and we looked to promote her." She's now supervising staff and runs the office, including dealing with day-to-day needs of 24 room attendants.

"Her achievement in this short period of time is incredible," he said. He was looking forward to attending the awards banquet with others from the hotel, adding: "I am extremely proud of her."

Jim Miles, general manager and chief operating officer at the Otesaga, said the hotel is thrilled that Fredenburg won the award.

"She does a wonderful job," he said.

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